Cowboys Release DT Jay Ratliff

Dallas officially terminated Ratliff’s contract on Wednesday and placed him on the failed physical list from Reserve/PUP. Ratliff reportedly failed a physical, which ultimately led to his release.

Ratliff, 32, signed a seven-year extension worth $48.625 million that included $18 million guaranteed back in 2011.

Tim MacMahon notes that Ratliff didn’t play a single snap for the Cowboys defense after signing that contract.

Brian McIntyre notes that Ratliff will count $6.928 million against their 2014 cap.

He has dealt with some injuries in the past few season and was under contract through the 2016 season. Given that he had sizable base salaries of $5.5M, $7M and $7.5M remaining on his contract, he was unlikely to be retained beyond this season anyways.

Ratliff’s agent, Mark Slough, told reporters that his client wasn’t fully healthy upon taking a recent conditioning test. Slough added that Ratliff isn’t dealing with a sports hernia like the Cowboys had said publicly. Instead, Ratliff’s muscle reportedly ripped off pelvis in two places.

Ratliff expects to play again next season, but he will be out for rest of 2013.

Here’s a statement provided by Ratliff:

“First, let me say thank you to the Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones for taking a chance on me in 2005. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Cowboys, and it was always my desire to begin and end my career here in Dallas. But I understand this business, and now it’s time to move on, turn the page and begin again.

To all my teammates, I want to wish them nothing but the best. Stay strong, keep fighting and always believe. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you, but I will always support you and value our time together.

And lastly, to all the Cowboy fans, I want to say it was an honor to play for you. Cowboy fans are the best fans in the NFL, and I thank each and every one of you for the support and love you have shown to me these past nine years. I will miss you.”

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According to NBC’s Michele Tafoya, Jay Ratliff is not expected to play for the Dallas Cowboys again.

“My interpretation based on Jerry Jones body language and his tone is that Jay Ratliff will not be playing for the Cowboys anymore,” said Tafoya after speaking with Jones.

Of course, Tafoya is interpreting Jones’ “body language,” so it’s hard to say whether or not the team intends to release Ratliff at some point this season.

Ratliff reportedly got into a verbal sparring with Jones late last season and even he suggested that the team was mischaracterizing his injury. Dallas placed Ratliff on the PUP list, but there has been a lot of doubt that he’ll be activated in Week 7 once eligible.

Dallas could really use some additional help at defensive tackle, but it appears to be doubtful that they will get anything from Ratliff this season.